Respondent Parent Counsel
RPC provides client-directed representation to the appointed parent. The parent’s lawful objectives guide the representation.
Court-appointed parent representation · Colorado
Respondent Parent Counsel in Colorado Dependency and Neglect Cases
Factual information about the attorney appointed to represent an eligible parent, guardian or legal custodian in a Colorado dependency and neglect proceeding.
The clientThe parent covered by the appointment order
The caseA Colorado dependency and neglect proceeding
The sourceA court appointment through the ORPC framework
Ike Lucero, Jr., P.C.Respondent Parent Counsel · Court-appointed work
Client identity and legal role
The parent is the RPC’s client.
Respondent Parent Counsel provides client-directed legal representation to the parent identified in the appointment order.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-3-202 provides that a respondent parent, guardian or legal custodian has the right to counsel at every stage of a dependency and neglect proceeding. At the first appearance, the court must advise the respondent of that right and of the right to seek appointed counsel through ORPC when the respondent cannot financially secure counsel.
Once appointed, RPC’s professional duties run to the parent client. RPC does not represent the child, a county department, a Guardian ad Litem, Counsel for Youth, another parent or the family as a whole.
Appointment-only service
Ike Lucero may serve as RPC only through a valid court appointment. The assignment is separate from private family-law representation and from the firm’s privately retained driver-defense practice.
Distinct court-appointed roles
The parent, child and youth may have different attorneys.
Each appointment has its own client or legal responsibility.
Guardian ad Litem
A GAL represents the child’s best interests. The GAL is not the parent’s attorney and does not represent the family as a whole.
Counsel for Youth
CFY provides client-directed representation to the youth under Colorado law and the court’s appointment order.
Professional role
RPC duties are defined by law, professional rules and court orders.
Chief Justice Directive 16-02 contains Colorado’s appointment framework and practice standards.
Client-directed representation
The parent is the client, and RPC provides legal advice and advocacy within the scope of the appointment.
Professional confidentiality
RPC handles protected attorney-client communications under governing legal and ethical rules.
Independent representation
RPC’s duties are independent from the county department and from attorneys serving other participants.
Appointment-specific scope
The appointment order and the circumstances of the proceeding define the representation in a particular case.
Appointment framework
The court—not this website—creates the RPC relationship.
Eligibility and attorney assignment are court and ORPC matters.
Statutory rightSection 19-3-202 addresses the respondent’s right to counsel and appointed-counsel advisement.
ORPC appointment listORPC maintains the list of qualified attorneys eligible for state-paid RPC appointments.
Court appointmentThe court selects and appoints counsel under the governing framework; the website cannot select an attorney.
Relationship and privacy boundaries
Public contact is not a confidential case channel.
A telephone call or website form does not establish representation or require the office to act.
Existing court appointment
The office phone and contact page are available for general communication concerning an existing appointment. Communication remains subject to the appointment order and the attorney-client relationship.
No existing appointment
This office cannot create or promise an RPC assignment, influence the court’s selection or report the status of an appointment that has not been made.
Privacy notice: The public form is not intended for a child’s name, case records, medical or school information, or detailed allegations.
Frequently asked questions
Respondent Parent Counsel role facts
The visible answers and FAQ structured data use one factual source.
What is Respondent Parent Counsel?
Respondent Parent Counsel, often called RPC, is an attorney appointed to represent an eligible parent, guardian or legal custodian in a Colorado dependency and neglect case. The parent is the RPC’s client.
Who does Respondent Parent Counsel represent?
RPC represents the appointed parent client. RPC does not represent the child, the county department, a Guardian ad Litem, Counsel for Youth, another parent or the entire family.
Who may qualify for court-appointed Respondent Parent Counsel?
A respondent parent, guardian or legal custodian who cannot financially secure counsel may qualify. The court determines eligibility and appointment under Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-3-202 and Chief Justice Directive 16-02.
Is RPC the same as a GAL or Counsel for Youth?
No. RPC represents the parent. A Guardian ad Litem advocates for a child’s best interests. Counsel for Youth provides client-directed representation to the youth under Colorado law and the court’s appointment order.
Can a parent hire or select Ike Lucero as Respondent Parent Counsel through this website?
No. This office does not offer RPC assignments as a private-hire service. The court appoints RPC through Colorado’s Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel system. Website or telephone contact cannot create an appointment, select a particular attorney or create an attorney-client relationship.
Official Colorado sources
Governing appointment and role materials
Current official text and the court’s orders control.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 19-3-202Right to counsel and first-appearance advisement
Chief Justice Directive 16-02RPC appointments, eligibility and practice standards
ORPC Family CenterOfficial information from the Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel
Reviewed by Ike Lucero, Jr. · August 22, 2026. This page is general information, not a substitute for the current official text, the appointment order or legal advice from appointed counsel.
Related information
Court-appointed work and official resources
Existing court appointment
Office contact for an existing RPC appointment
The office telephone and contact page are available for general communication concerning an existing appointment.
Important: Website use, a telephone call or a form submission does not create an attorney-client relationship, court appointment or duty to act. Court-appointed representation begins only after a valid appointment. Private representation begins only after firm acceptance, a signed written fee agreement, and payment and acceptance of the required retainer. The public form is not intended for confidential child or case information. No result is guaranteed.